2016-17 basketball preview: McDonald County Girls

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Following a district championship-producing season two years ago, the McDonald County Lady Mustangs had a rough 2015-16 campaign as they started up the rebuilding process. The Mustangs compiled a 4-22 overall record including a 1-7 mark in the Big 8, their second season as members of the conference.

The Lady Mustangs will again have to compete with a younger roster as fourth-year head coach Brad Short looks to replace two starters and three lettermen due to graduation. Short loses all-conference glue player Baili Nelson as well as the athletic Dakota Bunch and the hard-working Kelsey Thornton.

McDonald County will build around three returning starters and four returning letter-winners from a squad that took a first-round exit via Cassville in district play.

Leading the returning starters for the Lady Mustangs is senior Tricia Wattman (5-foot-11), junior Cloee Helm (5-foot-6), and sophomore Madison Hall (5-foot-7). Wattman averaged eight points and four rebounds per game last season, while Helm chipped in five points with three assists and steals and Hall added six points, three rebounds, and three assists.

“Tricia is a post, who has really developed,” Short said. “I expect big things from her this year. Cloee is a point guard that really gave us a boost last year and started every game. She became a knockdown shooter and a great defender.

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“Madison is a guard, who will need to step in and contribute as a sophomore. She can shoot and handle the ball very well.”

Also, returning is senior Madison Mitchell (5-foot-7), who appeared in every game as a junior and is a forward that can add shooting to the team. Senior Caitlynn Sedillos (5-foot-7) is also back. She contributed two points along with two steals per last year. Short described her as a “guard, who can score the ball and defend.”

A pair of newcomers could also factor into the mix – junior Meagan Mill (5-foot-7), sophomore Leslie Yousey (5-foot-6), and freshman Ragan Wilson (5-foot-6).

“Meagan is a ball-handler and shooter, who will add depth to our team,” Short said. “She can make a lot of things happen. And Ragan is a point guard that can make a lot happen with the ball. She is also a very good defender.”

Yousey, a point guard, was a transfer from Wyandotte, OK and has one year of varsity experience.

“This team’s defense will set the tone for everything we do,” Short added. “We are quicker than we have been at positions one-through-five and have some new players that will help on both ends of the floor. Excited to see what this season holds for us.”

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